7 Top Tips for Nursing Career Development

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7 Top Tips for Nursing Career Development

Career Development Made Easy with these Simple Steps!

Looking for a way to get more satisfaction out of your nursing job? Is your career in desperate need of an energizing boost? Maybe your current job has lost its appeal…or maybe you have begun to dread going to work. No one wants to be stuck in a job like that.

There are many ways, however, to get the most out of your career. The most important thing is to make sure you're in the right career path, and success will follow!


Regardless of your employment status, try these ideas for professional success!



1. Love it or Leave it!

If you are struggling at work, or just plain miserable, perhaps it is time to find a new career path. Determine if your stress is based on your role itself, or your employer.


Consider the following common problems for a clue to your solution:


Are you in over your head or just ready for more of a challenge? You might consider obtaining additional training or certifications to become better qualified in your healthcare practice. Look into other nursing career options that better fit your knowledge, skills and personality.


Are you frustrated by lack of support or supplies? Get involved in committees that have influence over these areas.


Do you dread working with difficult staff? Consider mediation or look into changing your schedule, shift or job.


If none of the above makes your job tolerable then it may be time for some serious change in your healthcare career.



2. Update Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume'.

Whether you’ve been in your current job for 15 years, or 15 days, always have your Resume updated and ready to go. You never know what tomorrow may bring. Even in a high-demand, secure nursing job, you still need to stay on your toes with your Resume/CV at the ready. Your career development will depend on it.

What if your favorite boss resigns tomorrow? Unless you’re in line for the job, your dream job could turn to a nightmare overnight! Even if you love your job, an even better job or career opportunity could present itself.

Update your resume'. Make sure if is filled with accomplishments and action statements. You will be glad you did when that opportunity comes knocking.


3. Join a Professional Healthcare Association.

What better way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your profession than to join the professional association, specific to the role you are in? If you are already a member of a professional association, good for you!

Maximize your professional development through networking with other nurse professionals. Professional associations will not only inform you, they also provide excellent networking opportunities and job listings.


4. Always Be Networking!

Networking is one of the best ways to advance your career organically, regardless of your current situation. There are many forms of networking, which could open up doors you never knew existed.

Talk to other nurses about current trends, job markets and interesting options in nursing careers that they have head about or tried. Maybe they can connect you with someone who can help you along your career development path.


5. Evaluate Your Career Goals.

If you have been working towards that Bachelor’s or Masters of Science in Nursing, but cannot quite get to the finish line, (or across the starting line) try setting some smaller, more manageable goals to help to get you there.

If you aren’t making any progress towards your career development goal...or it has become a major source of stress... perhaps it's time to re-evaluate whether or not this particular goal makes sense for you at this point in your life.

If your goal is to earn more money, consider asking for a raise instead of switching jobs. Stay focused on the career direction that makes the most sense and take the appropriate steps.


6. Find a Mentor, or Become a Mentor.

Identify a successful nursing professional, and get to know them. This could be a co-worker, or it could be someone who works elsewhere in the healthcare field. They can be invaluable in your career development.

A mentor may help introduce you to valuable contacts, or assist you in understanding aspects of your job which are not explained in school, orientation or in books...such as the politics of your organization, and how to navigate the system.


If you are an experienced nurse, mentoring a newbie may fulfill your needs too. Staying in touch with the younger generation of nurses can help you to understand what motivates the emerging workforce, as well as new methodologies.

Plus, the best way to truly learn is to teach someone else!




7. Read, Research and Learn About Your Profession or Desired Profession.

Peruse nursing journals. Subscribe to on-line career development newsletters. Buy a book about changing careers.

The fact that you are here and have found this site is a positive sign that you're on your way to taking action to upgrade your nursing career, or find a new role in the healthcare field.

Research career opportunities and find out what your passions are in nursing.

Click her to find more career development ideas.


Nursing Career Hub.com, Build the Nursing Career of Your Dreams From our wonderful Valerie Hayes-